Lot 1130: Hugo Ballin O/B "Music Critic"

Hugo Ballin (American/California, 1879-1956), oil on board painting titled "Music Critic," depicting a balding man in a tuxedo asleep in a crowded concert hall. Another man behind him taps his shoulder to wake him, while in the background, a production is taking place on a stage. Signed lower left "Hugo Ballin" with personal inscription, "To Lucien Cailliet / Music Critic (Sketch)." Additionally signed and inscribed en verso "The Critic (Sketch for Music Critic)". Housed in a wide fluted giltwood frame. Sight: 19"H x 23"W. Frame: 27"H x 31"W. Note: Lucien Cailliet was a French-American composer, conductor, arranger and clarinetist. He also worked in the Hollywood film industry, contributing to nearly fifty films as either composer or arranger. This painting has descended in Cailliet's family to his grandson, the present consignor.

CONDITION: Overall good condition. Some scattered tiny flakes, notably to lower left quadrant (chair back) and to subject's hand and programme. Paint is thick in some areas, possibly to cover imperfections in the board or changes to the image consistent with it being a study. No restoration is visible under UV light.